Author Archive for nice

IPhone and Blackberry used to be the two leading names in the smart phone industry. However, new names are now emerging and showing great potential, poised to take the lead in the game. Samsung has been here for quite a while and has been releasing its competitive Galaxy series, its latest being the Galaxy S4. Meanwhile, HTC remained silent for a while, but it has recently made a comeback with its new HTC One. These two latest products in the market are showing promise in terms of design, software, and features. Both are flagship phones of their respective companies, but which of them are truly ready to capture most of the market? Let’s find out.

Body

When it comes to dimensions, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is slimmer and lighter than the HTC One. The S4 is 7.9mm thick and weighs 130 grams whereas the One is 9.3mm thick and weighs 143 grams. However, even though HTC One is a bit thicker and heavier, it’s narrower and it has a curvy rear, which makes it easy to handle without feeling bulky.

The HTC One has a better built since it uses an aluminum back (battery) cover. This makes the One look not only sleek and flashy but also tougher compared to the S4, which comes with a plastic body.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with a slightly bigger screen (5 inches compared to the HTC One’s 4.7-inch screen
size). However, although this may provide S4 users with bigger reading area, it sacrifices a bit of the phone’s image quality (although the difference is not easily noticeable because both have great display overall). The HTC One is sharper, and it owes this not only to its resolution (it has slightly higher pixel density) but also to the screen panel that it uses – IPS screen. This creates more natural colors compared to those created by the S4.

Camera and Speakers

The Samsung Galaxy S4 has better camera output. It has a 13-megapixel sensor whereas the HTC One only sports a 4-megapixel sensor. This makes the S4 produce photos that capture even the finer details (better macro shots and no overexposure). However, the size of the sensor of the One is almost similar to that of the S4, so it can capture more light per pixel, making it perform better in low lighting conditions.

In terms of speakers, the HTC One is the clear winner. It has dual front-mounted speakers while the S4 has a mono rear-mounted speaker. Though both devices can produce great sound, the One can produce sound without the distortion. The speaker is clearly one of the features that the people behind HTC paid more attention to.

Software and Storage

In terms of performance, the Galaxy S4 works more impressively, propelling it to the top together with the most powerful smart phones today. The S4 also takes the cake in terms of storage, primarily because it has provision for microSD, something that’s very important for smart phones.

When you look at the interface of the two devices, it’s noticeable that the S4 aims at packing more advanced features whereas the One aims to keep things simpler. Both are great smart phone options and both show great promise. They have some distinctions, though, as if they have certain priorities. It’s up to you which of them align with your own priorities, then. You can check out Geekie Store to find more Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One choices.

While various solar devices have already been introduced during the past years, almost none were made available for ebook readers. And even though there were attempts to penetrate this market, only very few succeeded. Well, that is, until two innovators stepped up to freshen up this market with new solar innovations. Kudo and Amazon have introduced solar-powered covers for today’s ebook readers.

The Charger

Both the Kudo and Kindle covers are designed to get energy from the sun. The Kudo solar case comes with a battery that collects and stores energy whenever there’s light and automatically charges the iPad. Meanwhile, the Kindle solar cover comes with built-in solar panels that collect energy from sunlight and a battery in which the gathered energy is stored. The battery can extend the Kindle’s power for a longer reading time.

The Kudo can lengthen intervals between charges by up to 10 days (for an average user) since charging is continuous as long as there’s light. In fact, if you’re not a heavy iPad user, you can go for weeks or months without the need to charge your device through a plug and socket. Meanwhile, the Kindle solar case can provide 10 days of extra reading time for every hour of battery charge.

The Case

The Kudo case is made up of a hard body with soft rubberized coating – perfect for protecting the iPad from shock and other damaging elements while keeping it scratch free. It’s even designed to be extremely solar since it’s made from biodegradable materials.

The Kindle case, on the other hand, is a combination of utility and style. It’s a form-fitted case with a great look, thin and lightweight for ease of use.

Extra Features

Both cases have features built in them which improve their functionality.

The Kudo solar case comes with stainless steel stands that allow you to position it according to your need. You can prop it upwards for movie watching or just prop it a bit for about 15 degrees when typing. Aside from this, one great feature of this case is its ability to charge your other gadgets (cell phone, camera, etc.) – all you need to do is plug them into the case!

The Kindle solar case also has its own appealing feature – the built in reading LED light that comes with it. The lamp is pressed back on the upper part of the housing, and it automatically turns on, ready for use, when you release it. Then, it automatically turns off when you press it back in place or when you put your Kindle in sleep mode. This lamp draws its power from the case battery, not from the Kindle, so you can enjoy reading in the dark without reducing your reading power. Just one hour of direct sunlight can already provide up to three days of light.

Amazon’s Kindle line-up of eBook readers has dominated the market for a long time. For quite a while there, no one was brave enough to challenge these devices. Now, though, there’s something new in the eReader market, a device that’s trying to take the throne from the Kindle – the Kobo Aura HD. Packed with improved technology and with the promise of a better reading experience, let’s see whether the Aura can compete with one of the prominent eBook readers from the Kindle line-up: the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.

Technology and Power

In terms of reading, the Aura HD promises faster response and page turns, as well as generally improved user experience with its faster processor and bigger RAM. Meanwhile, when it comes to downloading eBooks, each eReader has certain advantages over the other. The Kobo Aura HD has an open platform, which makes downloads easy as it’s possible to download eBooks from any source as long as the devices are compatible. However, downloading eBooks can be done only through Wi-Fi, whereas the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has cellular connectivity, which makes downloading possible as long as there’s 3G connection.

In terms of storage, the Aura HD is the clear winner because of two things. One, it has bigger storage capacity – 4GB compared to the Paperwhite’s 2GB capacity. Two, it comes with a Micro SD slot, which allows for memory expansion to up to an additional 32GB. This allows for the storage of a WHOLE LOT of eBooks.

If you want some audio experience from your eBook reader, however, Kindle Paperwhite is your only choice since the Aura HD doesn’t have this feature.

Overall Reading Experience

To gauge user experience, it will be noteworthy to take screen resolution, product design, content, and other features into account.

Screen resolution is one aspect in which the Aura HD excels. It has a higher resolution, about 20% sharper, compared to the Kindle Paperwhite. Both devices have built-in lights that make reading in the dark easy and convenient.

When it comes to design, the Kindle Paperwhite is thinner and lighter, which you may prefer if you don’t want carrying much weight while traveling with your device. If, however, you’re after a bigger screen for reading, you may want to choose the Aura HD. This is also more comfortable to hold even just with one hand because it has two ridges that prevent slipping.

Content-wise, the Kindle is a great choice because it has already a big ecosystem supporting it. There is a wider range of eBooks available for the Kindle, both free and paid. It also allows reader-to-reader lending, offering a more pleasant reader experience.

Here’s What We Have to Say

Both the Kobo Aura HD and the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite have features that make them great eReader choices. The main differences between the two are in their technology and the content that they offer. If you want a more advanced technology, try the Kobo Aura HD. But, if you want a bigger reading selection, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the better pick. Once you’ve decided which of the two you’ll get, you can check out Geekie Store to make your purchase.

For many years now, computer manufacturers have been trying to create the perfect computer that balances power and portability. From laptops and notebooks to netbooks and tablets, newer computers are getting smaller and smaller. However, only a few really succeed in packing a significant amount of power in a portable package. Apple is one company that has shown success and promise in this regard as it continues to release powerful products that boast of portability.

Its MacBook Air has become a favorite among users who have found its MacBook Pro powerful but not really portable. And for a while, MacBook Air enjoyed the attention. That is, until the MacBook Pro with Retina Display was introduced – more powerful that the Air but almost as thin. So which should you go for?

Portability

When it comes to the size and weight of these two devices, there really isn’t that much of a difference. MacBook Air remains lighter (2.96 lbs) compared to the MBP with Retina (3.57 lbs). In terms of size, Air is also thinner (17.3mm compared to the MBP, which is 19.1mm in thickness), although it is a bit wider and longer (325mm x 227mm compared to the MBP, which measures 314mm by 219mm).

Power

The MacBook Pro with Retina is still the winner here. For one, its Intel Core i5 chip is still faster. Its RAM is also bigger (even double) – 8gb. However, what really makes the MBP stand out here is, as its name implies, its 2,560 x 1,600 display. Imagine it as a hundred extra pixels per inch, creating very smooth icons on your screen and very crisp images and texts.

Price

This is where a huge difference can be seen. The MacBook Pro with Retina has a starting price of $1499, $300 more than the starting price of the MacBook Air ($1199). Upgrades and higher specs will cost you even more. For instance, you can get a Core i7 processor upgrade if you want faster operation. The standard storage available for both devices is 128gb. If you need bigger storage, you have an option to get the 256gb. And if you need optical drive, you will need to spend more money because both of these don’t have one.

Now the question: which should you go for?

Given that both of them are portable, thin and lightweight, the two biggest differences that you’ll need to consider will be their performance and their price.

So what are you going to use your device for? The MBP with Retina is perfect for people who work on high-res graphics and those who do a lot of video editing. The Retina display will surely be of great help to your work. Meanwhile, the MacBook Air is ideal for other non-power-demanding activities. Its portable design is ideal for being a travel companion

And as to the question in terms of price, well that would depend on whether you’re willing to pay a few hundred dollars for the features that the MacBook Pro with Retina has. Our suggestion would be: if you really need those features, then go ahead and spend. But, if you don’t have any particular or serious need for those, skip the extra dollars and go for the MacBook Air. Once you’ve decided which to get, you can check Google Store to find your needed device.

The newest technologies of Google and Apple have created a buzz way earlier than the actual release of the said technologies. And now that the news is out, everyone’s looking forward to what is predicted as the new products set to bring a whole new level of revolution in the way we interact with and use technology. Let’s take a look at these newest gadgets, the Google Glass and Apple iWatch, and the features that are about to change the technological industry.

What They Are

When you look at these two products at their basic level, they’re a simple eyeglass and a watch that’s incorporated with various technologies. You can look at them as supercomputers in a wearable package.

How They Are Designed

Google Glass is a voice-activated display mounted into an eyeglass. The entire technology can be found in the top right portion of the device. It is built with a rocker button on its right frame, which offers a second option for controlling it (next to voice command). It also comes in different colors: charcoal, tangerine, cotton, sky, and shale.

Meanwhile, not much can be said right now as to the final design of the Apple iWatch, except that it’s a future-looking piece of gadget that looks much like a modern watch and can perform a whole range of functions.

How They Work and What They Offer

Google Glass is powered by Android OS and, through your voice, can perform a wide range of actions: take photos, record live events (and share them), send messages, and even work as GPS. It can provide your needed information (all you have to do is ask), as well as translate foreign language.

The Apple iWatch is iOS-operated and can sync to your Smartphone through Bluetooth. It can work with Siri, will allow you to control the music on your phone, and can even have health tracking features. Like the Glass, it has GPS, too.

Some of those features, however, are just expectations at the moment (especially those for the iWatch). More or less, those are what you’ll find in these devices, and we can expect more improvements in the months or years to come.

So Which Is The Cooler Wearable Tech?

When it comes to fashion and style, the AppleiWatch takes the cake. To start with, the iWatch will be easier to incorporate in one’s wardrobe than the Glass. The Glass will remind you of its presence the whole time you wear it, whereas the iWatch can be worn and forgotten, until you need to use it. When it comes to technology, though, GoogleGlass is way more advance. So do you want the latest technology, or do you want a technology that you can wear comfortably? Whichever of the two you choose, you have various choices at Geekie Store.